ADVANCEMENT
Scout, Tenderfoot and Second Class Scouts

The program that is designed for Scouts who have joined Troop 179 in the six months prior to summer camp is Camp Tenderfoot. The basic skills of Scouting are incorporated into a program of fun and adventure as it orients the new Scout in the ways of Scouting and helps them along the path to First Class. We concentrate on working on requirements, having fun, learning about Scouting, and getting to know our Patrols and Troop members.

The Scouts will be learning the skills that may be applied toward meeting requirements for the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First-Class ranks. For Scouts who need to work on these early ranks that have been with the troop for longer than six months there is a session called "First Class Skills" where the Scout will have the opportunity to work one on one so that they can meet the specific requirements they need to earn their rank.

First Class, Star, and Life Scouts

Scouts and parents need to keep in mind that earning the rank of Star, Life, and Eagle is much, much, more than earning Merit Badges. There are requirements that deal with Participation, Scout Spirit, and Positions of Responsibilities; it is these requirements that the Scouts will be able to spend the most time on accomplishing. These requirements are what makes up the essence of each of the ranks and what tells us, has a Scout really earned the right to hold the status that comes with the ranks they are going for. There is no other activity like Summer Camp that allows the Scouts to work on these requirements and hone their abilities to understand their esoteric meanings.

The Scoutmasters at camp will be available to give conferences for ranks throughout the week. Boards of Review will also be available for ranks. The key to successful advancement at summer camp is to plan for it. Prior to going to camp a Scoutmaster will meet with each Scout to help create a plan for advancement.  

Venture Recognitions

Cole supports many of the Venture Recognitions; whether you are on a track to earn Ranger or one of the other Venturing Awards they will help you with signing off requirements. The troop will also present a Venture Challenge during the 9:00 session. All Ventures must sign-up for the Venture Challenge unless he or she has gained the permission of the Venture Advisor.

Merit Badges at Summer Camp

Cole Canoe Base offers many different merit badges to choose from; added to that Troop 179 will also have merit badges available at our campsite. After the Scout has signed-up for the Merit Badges they should next secure a current copy of the BSA Merit Badge Pamphlet. One of the best tools for earning a Merit Badge are the worksheets available at Merit Badge Worksheets (usscouts.org). Most Merit Badge Counselors recommend using the worksheets to keep organized. Beginning in June, our Troop leaders will meet with the Scouts for their first Merit Badge session.

Whether a Scout returns home with a completed Merit Badge or a partial is most often dependent on whether they have completed the pre-camp work assigned by the counselor. Merit Badges are earned with the advice of the Scoutmaster. The list of Merit Badges on the Instructional Schedule has been recommended by the 179 Scoutmaster.

Suggestions for Scheduling Your Day: Keep in mind that most Scouts only have time prior to camp to complete three to four merit badges. While there are six slots of time, filling them all with merit badges is not necessarily going to be successful. Pick your merit badges, then starting now work the merit badges until you have mastered the skill or knowledge contained within. Throughout the day there are free time activities and you do not need to register for them specifically.

Keep in mind that all Paul Bunyan Patrol members will have a slot for leadership (see Scoutmaster Chuck Williams). Scouts BSA (including new Scouts) will use the 11:00 time slot for service time and activities. Venturers will use the 9:00 time slot for their conservation projects.

Signing Up for Merit Badges During the month of March and April we will be signing up Scouts to take Merit Badges at Summer Camp. To do this you should download the Merit Badge Schedule & Sign Up Form. Look through the Merit Badges being offered and choose which Merit Badges you want to take. Next meet with the Assistant Scoutmaster who works with your patrol and discuss the Merit Badges and you both will decide the best options for your advancement needs. Next you will turn the form into Scoutmaster Chuck Williams. Keep in mind some classes will fill up so get your choices in as soon as possible.